LONDON – A major research initiative conducted by the Law Society during its expansive ‘200 years’ tour across England and Wales has concluded, highlighting robust levels of support and confidence in the legal industry among residents of London.
The findings, released as the six-month tour neared its close with a stop in the capital – one of over 20 cities visited – underscore London’s unique position within the national legal landscape. The data indicates that Londoners hold significantly higher confidence in several key areas of the legal sector compared to the national average.
London’s Economic Backbone: The Legal Sector
One of the most striking findings from the Law Society’s research pertains to the perceived economic importance of the legal sector. According to the study, a substantial 75% of London residents consider the legal industry to be important for the overall UK economy. This figure stands notably higher than the national average, where only 65% of people surveyed shared the same view. The disparity suggests that London, often viewed as a global legal hub, has a population with a greater awareness or appreciation of the sector’s contribution to national prosperity.
Evolving Access and Client Experience
The research also delved into public attitudes towards modernising legal service delivery, particularly regarding online access. The findings reveal a strong inclination among Londoners towards embracing digital solutions to enhance client experience. Specifically, two-thirds of people in London believe that having online access to legal help would lead to a better experience when interacting with legal professionals or seeking legal assistance. This perspective is more prevalent in the capital than across the country as a whole, where 59% of respondents shared this sentiment.
Furthermore, the study explored confidence levels in using online legal services independently, without direct professional guidance. Here too, Londoners demonstrated higher levels of comfort. 23% of London residents expressed confidence in navigating online legal services on their own, in contrast to just 18% of people in the rest of the country. This suggests a greater readiness or perhaps experience with digital platforms for legal needs within the capital’s population.
Trust in Legal Professionals
Trust in solicitors, the cornerstone of the legal profession, was another key metric examined by the Law Society. The research indicated a slightly higher level of trust in London compared to the national figure. 60% of London residents reported trusting solicitors, while the national average stood at 57%. Although the difference is marginal, it contributes to the overall picture of stronger positive sentiment towards the legal sector within the capital.
Context of the ‘200 Years’ Tour
The research was conducted concurrently with the Law Society’s extensive ‘200 years’ tour, an ambitious initiative designed to celebrate the role of solicitors and engage with the legal community and the public across England and Wales. Spanning six months, the tour visited over 20 cities, providing a platform for discussion on critical topics facing the profession, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the ongoing efforts to enhance diversity within the legal ranks.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson commented on the tour’s overarching objective, stating that it aimed not only to celebrate the enduring contributions of solicitors but also to foster vital conversations about the profession’s future, embracing technological advancements like AI and championing diversity and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
The findings from the Law Society’s research, particularly the elevated levels of support, confidence, and openness to digital legal services observed in London, provide valuable insights into public perception at a key legal centre. As the ‘200 years’ tour concludes, the data gathered will likely inform the Law Society’s future strategies for public engagement, member support, and policy development, reflecting the varied perspectives found across England and Wales, with London demonstrating a particularly strong endorsement of the legal sector’s significance and its evolving service delivery models.
